Verstappen recalls surprise Imola pass on Piastri

Asked to name his favourite overtake, Verstappen said it was difficult to choose just one. He picked out his move on Oscar Piastri shortly after the start of the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix as one he particularly enjoyed, in comments on the P1 with Matt & Tommy podcast reported by RacingNews365 Nederland on 29 September 2026.

Verstappen passed Piastri around the outside while braking for the first corner. He said he had not expected Piastri to brake so early and decided to commit to the move. Its unexpected nature, he suggested, was part of what made it memorable.

Verstappen went on to win at Imola, his second victory of 2025. Looking back, he described the opening-lap pass as a move that ultimately proved decisive for that win.